The 29-year-old has spent five seasons at Elland Road scoring 86 goals in 221 appearances.

And, after netting 19 goals so far this campaign in all competitions, interest in the centre forward is high with two unnamed foreign clubs bidding for his signature.

But the Championship side have insisted that Becchio will not be leaving on the cheap.

A club statement read: “Luciano Becchio, who has been the subject of two separate bids from foreign clubs during the January transfer window, has handed in a transfer request to the club, as financially he believes his best interests are served by a move away from Leeds United.

“Both bids have been rejected and the player will only be allowed to leave in the event that an acceptable offer is received.

“The club have sought to agree the terms of a new contract with the player, who is already the highest earner, but the requested terms were beyond a level that we could support, particularly in view of the regulations relating to Financial Fair Play that will be effective in coming seasons.

“It is disappointing that this situation has occurred when he is under contract until 30th June 2014.”